Starbucks has reached its goal to hire 25,000 veterans and military spouses – six years ahead of schedule. The company announced its gains in veteran hiring this week and also unveiled plans to hire at least 5,000 veterans and military spouses each year moving forward.

The Seattle-based coffee company initially planned to hire 25,000 veterans by 2025. In 2018, MOAA recognized Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson with its Distinguished Service Award, for his work to hire veterans and spouses.  

“This is a diverse community, and we need to make sure these men and women feel welcomed with a culture of warmth, understanding, and appreciation,” Johnson told MOAA in 2018. “Most transitioning veterans are on a journey, and we want to be part of that.”

Amanda Bainton, executive director of The MOAA Foundation, praised Starbucks for its latest hiring milestone.

“Starbucks did not grow to 30,000 locations worldwide by making poor business and hiring decisions,” Bainton said. “They see the value veterans and military spouses bring to their organization and have benefited from hiring them. I hope other companies follow their lead.”